The Magic apparently told folks they were considering filing tampering charges against the Nets, and then they never did - apparently because, well, it seems they did give Howard's agent permission to shop his client around. So, what does it all mean? It means that Howard is the key to everything. If he wants to play for the Lakers, then the Lakers will use their assets — Lamar Odum, Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol or whatever it takes to get Howard. And that will mean that they won't have assets left over to get Chris Paul. If, on the other hand, Howard decides he wants to go to the Nets, then the Lakers will go get Paul and go on about their business.

Meanwhile, the Nets have to give themselves a backup plan, and that appears to be Nene. So not only does Paul have to wait on Howard to make up his mind, but so does Nene. And since Fegan represents both Nene and Howard, is he putting one client's needs (Howard's) ahead of another's (Nene's)?

In the meantime, Brook Lopez will be back at practice today, working out at center until the Nets tell him he's either traded to Orlando for Howard, or moving to power forward to make way for Nene.

This all has to be over soon, doesn't it?

*****

On a smaller note: Richard Jefferson won't be returning to the Nets soon — contrary to reports, RJ has not actually been amnestied by the San Antonio Spurs. He remains a member in good standing of the Spurs.